Ronald Burnette, jr., RB, Steel-High: Burnette spun the scoreboard three times, willing the Rollers to their second PIAA championship in three years. He ran for scores of 3, 1 and 19 yards in a 22-8 win over Union Area for the Class 1A title, finishing with 28 carries for 122 yards.

Jaeion Perry, jr., WR/DB, Steel-High: Perry didn’t find the end zone this week in the state championship, but he was Alex Erby’s favorite target by far and shredded Union for 120 stripes on seven receptions. Perry also added a late interception on defense and ran three times for 6 yards.

Marquis Beasley, sr., OL/DL, Steel-High: Props to a defense that held Union to just eight points (two of them by way of safety). Beasley devoured quarterback Braylon Thomas for three sacks and helped the Rollers’ D hold Union to just 159 total yards.

Riley Robell, sr., DL, Bishop McDevitt: Robell dominated in a game McDevitt owned from start to finish for a 41-18 PIAA Class 4A championship victory over Aliquippa. Robell forced two fumbles and led a defense that allowed a paltry 135 total offensive yards (18 of them passing) to avenge last year’s loss.

Marquese Williams, sr., RB, Bishop McDevitt: The defense was stellar, but the Crusaders’ offense didn’t have much trouble scoring. Williams led that charge, racking up 129 yards and a touchdown on 24 carries. His TD came from 2 yards out in the fourth quarter.

Tyshawn Russell, sr., WR, Bishop McDevitt: There may not be such a thing as a perfect game in football, but Russell came about as close as one player can get. The game-breaker caught four of six targets and all of them ended with points. Russell finished with 121 yards and scored on receptions of 70, 12, 28 and 11 yards to stake McD to a 34-6 lead that was never remotely challenged.

Stone Saunders, so., QB, Bishop McDevitt: Sure, Saunders tossed three picks – including one returned for a late touchdown, albeit in garbage time – but he was still largely impressive with 167 yards and five touchdowns (four to the man above) on 10 of 16 passing. His non-Russell TD toss went to Rico Scott for 12 yards.

Kyle Williams Jr., sr., RB, Harrisburg: The Cougars fell to St. Joseph’s Prep 42-7, but Williams managed to do some damage against the Philadelphia powerhouse. The senior ran for 43 yards on 16 carries and caught all six passes thrown his way for 98 stripes. One of those receptions he took 66 yards for ‘Burg’s lone TD in the fourth quarter.

It’s not often you see a running back rip off 250-plus yards in a state semifinal.

But that’s what Kyle Williams Jr. did last week, shredding State College for 263 of them, plus four touchdowns, to send Harrisburg to the PIAA Class 6A championship game. The performance also won Williams 4th Down Magazine’s Athlete of the Week honors. 

The senior earned 281 of a total 391 votes during the week, beating second-place Ronald Burnette (Steel-High, 62) handily.

Williams and the Cougars played in the state championship at Cumberland Valley High School on Saturday.

EXPLAINING OUR PICKS: The 4th Down Magazine crew picks all games involving Mid-Penn Conference teams, as well as Schuylkill-Colonial League games featuring former members of the now-defunct Twin Valley Conference. Starting with the state semifinals, our pickers get really bold and predict all the games. And, after 10 weeks of regular season and six weeks of playoffs, the season is officially over. Congrats to the six PIAA champs, all of the district champs, division champs, and everybody else who suited up and gave their all this season. Of course, we must also give a shoutout to Mr. Fourth Down, Adam Kulikowski, who somehow found time between his day job and working tirelessly to keep the Fourth Down Magazine website updated and running to actually WIN our picks title! The dude is amazing! (And he’s almost certainly going down next year because the Andys and the Geoff won’t stand for a repeat!)

2022 FINAL STANDINGSPicker: Week 16 – Overall – Perfect Picks
Adam Kulikowski: 5-1 — 235-74 — 0
Andy Shay: 2-4 — 228-81 — 2
Andy Sandrik: 4-2 — 227-82 — 1
Geoff Morrow: 2-4 — 225-84 — 1

WEEK 6 PLAYOFF SCHEDULE

 * Records in parentheses after school name; District and seed in parentheses before school name.

Thursday, Dec. 8

PIAA CLASS 1A CHAMPIONSHIP

Steelton-Highspire 22, Union Area 8

Andy Shay: Steel-High 34, Union 20: Rollers are poised to prove for the second time in three years they are the best small-school program in the state. They have been pushed and tested this season and have grown into a complete team. Union is new to this stage and while the Scotties pack some punch on offense, they have a defense that has been exploited during the second season and the Rollers punish less-than-stellar defenses.

Geoff Morrow: Steel-High 42, Union 20: In their first ever PIAA title game, the Scotties haven’t exactly been stout defensively throughout their championship run (minus a shutout of Bishop Canevin in the WPIAL finals). A defense needs to be in tip-top shape to slow the Rollers, who are hunting their second PIAA title in three years and fourth since 2007. Not a homer pick; I just feel Steel-High is the best small-school program in the state.

Andy Sandrik: Steel-High 38, Union 30: Keep in mind these teams have a common opponent in Bishop Canevin. The Rollers escaped with a 21-14 in Week 1, while the Scotties recently blasted the Crusaders in the WPIAL title game. This game could be closer than the experts think.

Adam Kulikowski: Steel-High 35, Union 24: Rollers take a big hit in this one before kickoff with the loss of Durrell Ceasar Jr. and his 687 yards of pass-catching production to suspension. Doesn’t change my ticket. Gimme the Rollers as Class 1A state champs! 

PIAA CLASS 4A CHAMPIONSHIP

Bishop McDevitt 41, Aliquippa 18

Andy Shay: Aliquippa 23, Bishop McDevitt 21: I fully agree with the Crusader players who have been saying “this team is different” than a year ago. It is better equipped for this game in so many respects. I do think the Quips, though, rightfully believe they are the better team heading into this one. Not often McDevitt gets to play the underdog card on its ledger. I think the Crusaders can 100% win this game, just not willing to pick them to do so at this level until they get one. Remember, a year ago McD hit the Quips with some haymakers early and Aliquippa just shrugged, went to work and dominated the rest of the way.

Geoff Morrow: Aliquippa 21, Bishop McDevitt 20: I don’t mean to predict heartache for the Crusaders, but here are my reasons: The Quips have won 25 straight games since Week 2 last year, which includes a victory over McD in the 2021 title game; Aliquippa, like McD, has thoroughly dominated competition this year, but its schedule was tougher; and the Quips are 4-4 in PIAA title games, while McDevitt has lost its last four since winning its only title in 1995. Regardless, this is a heavyweight fight.

Andy Sandrik: Bishop McDevitt 28, Aliquippa 14: Defense wins championships, right? McDevitt’s defensive unit has allowed 10 points in four postseason games. Ten. 

Adam Kulikowski: Bishop McDevitt 35, Aliquippa 34: Look, this is an uphill battle for the Crusaders after cruising through 95% of the season to this point. Are they battle-tested enough to take a few blows and hit back? 

PIAA CLASS 2A CHAMPIONSHIP

Southern Columbia 37, Westinghouse 22

Andy Shay: Westinghouse 26, Southern Columbia 20: I should know better than to pick against the five-time defending state champs when it comes to this game. I just can’t resist this once-in-a-lifetime collection of Bulldogs who are built to thrive in a game against a power like this right now. It’s their time. The run of championships comes to an end but not without a dog fight.

Geoff Morrow: Westinghouse 27, Southern Columbia 14: If you follow my picks, you know I’m usually a sucker for history. And nobody has more impressive PIAA football history than the Tigers, whereas the Bulldogs are the first Pittsburgh City League team to get this far in a quarter-century. But the Westinghouse results this season simply blow me away, especially what it did to Steel Valley in last week’s semis. Southern is awesome, but I’m guessing the run of consecutive state titles ends at five Friday afternoon.

Andy Sandrik: Southern Columbia 28, Westinghouse 25: Turns out Westinghouse is a much better team than any of us could have imagined, and the Bulldogs won’t be buying into that SC “aura.” The Tigers are in for a scrap if they want to secure their sixth straight PIAA title. 

Adam Kulikowski: Southern Columbia 34, Westinghouse 28: Typically, I have a soft spot in my heart for the “underdog,” which has to be Westinghouse. However, picking against the team going for their sixth straight PIAA title, even in a year in which they haven’t had their typical horsepower, just seems unwise.  

PIAA CLASS 5A CHAMPIONSHIP

Pine-Richland 28, Imhotep Charter 14

Andy Shay: Imhotep Charter 27, Pine-Richland 14: The Panthers are an elite PIAA powerhouse who have consistently flopped on this big stage despite bushels of talent. That is a concern here for me. Pine-Richland is a machine that doesn’t mind bumping and grinding and has a quarterback that will test the Imhotep defense. If the Panthers’ offense holds serve the defense will take it from there. Pine-Richland has to make this a shootout, and I’m not sure that’s in the cards against this Panthers D.

Geoff Morrow: Imhotep Charter 20, Pine-Richland 14: Both the Rams and Panthers feature great defense, but the Philly unit has barely budged during Imhotep’s playoff run, yielding just 6.2 ppg against some pretty decent competition. The Rams, who won titles in 2020 and 2017, have a great dual-threat QB, but my prediction is the Panthers snap a four-game championship game losing streak and pocket their first title since 2015.

Andy Sandrik: Imhotep Charter 23, Pine-Richland 21: We’ve been waiting years for Imhotep to make it back to the promised land. However, this stage hasn’t been the kindest to the Panthers, who haven’t won a state title since my 9-year-old was 2. 

Adam Kulikowski: Pine-Richland 24, Imhotep Charter 21: Pine-Richland do-it-all QB Ryan Palmieri is the kind of X-factor that causes headaches for even the best defenses. He’ll need to if the Rams want to take home the  PIAA hardware. 

Saturday, Dec. 10

PIAA CLASS 3A CHAMPIONSHIP

Belle Vernon 9, Neumann-Goretti 8

Andy Shay: Belle Vernon 14, Neumann-Goretti 7: The suspension of Saints two-way hammer Shawn Battle hangs in the air over this one, and you bet it’s a major factor in who wins this game. We know Leopards RB Quinton Martin will play and the Belle Vernon defense stands tall against the best competition. Defense and running game sounds like a winning formula in December in Pennsylvania.

Geoff Morrow: Belle Vernon 17, Neumann-Goretti 13: If Saints stud RB/S Shawn Battle has his suspension overturned and is able to play, I might pick this game the other way. But as of now, no Battle means I’m going with the upstart Leopards and their stingy defense. This is the first PIAA title game appearance for both, though N-G is here all the time in hoops. The Saints seem like a team of destiny after shocking Wyomissing in wild fashion last week, but Belle Vernon is my pick.

Andy Sandrik: Belle Vernon 24, Neumann-Goretti 20: I know a team is about more than one player, but N-G losing Shawn Battle to suspension could prove to be devastating for the Saints.

Adam Kulikowski: Neumann-Goretti 26, Belle Vernon 21: Neumann-Goretti knocked off Berks County juggernaut Wyomissing last week to reach the championship bout. That momentum just might be enough to bring home the Saints’ first PIAA football championship if they can corral junior running back Quinton Martin, a Division 1 prospect with the chops to single-handedly disrupt an opponent’s game plan.   

PIAA CLASS 6A CHAMPIONSHIP

St. Joseph’s Prep 42, Harrisburg 7

Andy Shay: Harrisburg 23, St. Joseph’s Prep 17: This is a business trip for the Cougars. They have been tasked with a mission, and as you’ve seen recently, they are dead serious about winning the first football state championship in modern Harrisburg High history. We all know the SJP pedigree and history at this level and in this game. They are dominant. But the Hawks this year have more gaps to exploit than most. The difference maker for me is SJP needs a little help from the Cougars – and that could easily happen – to win this game. Harrisburg does not need any assistance to lock this game down. Defense … Defense! Harrisburg is dialed in on that side of the ball, and that will be the difference in this contest.

Geoff Morrow: Harrisburg 27, St. Joseph’s Prep 24: Let’s consider everything the Cougars need to overcome. History: Harrisburg is 0-2 in PIAA title games, while the Hawks are 26-2 in PIAA playoff games with six state titles since 2013. Offense: SJP put up 400 yards and scored at will in the first half of last week’s semifinal blowout of Garnet Valley. Streaks: Hawks have won 11 straight games and have reached the state final every year except 2015 over the last decade. But Prep is beatable if you bring your best, as Pine-Richland (2017) and Mount Lebanon (2021) proved on PIAA’s biggest stage. And Harrisburg has been at its absolute best lately, decisively avenging both regular-season losses during this playoff run. This IS a homer pick, but it’s one I believe in because the Cougars are THAT team.

Andy Sandrik: Harrisburg 28, St. Joseph’s Prep 14: This is your reminder that one of the state’s best defenses is led by one of the baddest defensive ends in the country. Terrell Reynolds has 22.5 sacks this season. Re-read that if you have to. 

Adam Kulikowski: St. Joseph’s Prep 32, Harrisburg 24: Can the Cougars win this game? Absolutely. They have the weapons across the board to take on the very best St. Joseph’s has to offer. But it will take a perfect performance. 

Ronald Burnette, jr., RB, Steel-High: If not for Burnette’s second half, the Rollers would not be scheduling practice time next week. The junior ripped off three unanswered touchdowns (24, 1 and 10 yards) after Steel-High fell behind 21-7 in the third quarter to claim a 28-21 PIAA Class 1A semifinal victory over Canton. Burnette finished with 20 carries for 112 yards and added three receptions for 17 more.

Jaeion Perry, jr., WR, Steel-High: QB Alex Erby hit Perry on nearly a third of his passing attempts, and Perry delivered, finishing with 10 receptions for 103 yards and a 16-yard first-quarter touchdown. Perry also added an 11-yard run in the state semifinal victory.

Marquese Williams, sr., RB, Bishop McDevitt: The Crusaders cruised to a 35-0 win over Crestwood in the PIAA Class 4A semifinals, and Williams finished with 17 carries for 143 well-earned yards. Williams, who also had two receptions for 7 yards, scored in the second quarter from 15 yards out. 

Rico Scott, jr., WR/KR, Bishop McDevitt: It was Scott who kicked things off for McD and Scott who iced the state semifinal victory. The junior caught an early 30-yard TD pass from Stone Saunders, then ripped off an 85-yard kick return TD in the third quarter to make it 27-0 Crusaders. Scott, who also caught a two-point conversion later, finished with nine receptions for 83 yards and a 26-yard carry.

Messiah Mickens, fr., RB, Trinity: The Shamrocks’ storybook season ended at the hands of juggernaut Southern Columbia, 42-7, in the PIAA Class 2A semifinals. But Mickens showed he’s going to be a nightmare for years, accounting for nearly all of Trinity’s offense by rushing 14 times for 102 yards and a 7-yard score late. He also grabbed the only three Trinity receptions for 14 yards. 

Kyle Williams Jr., sr., RB, Harrisburg: On numbers alone, Williams had the weekend’s best performance, shredding division rival State College 28 times for 263 yards and four scores. Williams scored on runs of 33, 1, 49 and 1 yard, adding a two-point conversion, to turn a 7-0 hole into a 27-7 PIAA Class 6A semifinal victory.

EXPLAINING OUR PICKS: The 4th Down Magazine crew picks all games involving Mid-Penn Conference teams, as well as Schuylkill-Colonial League games featuring former members of the now-defunct Twin Valley Conference. Now that we’re into the state semifinals, our pickers have gotten really bold and are predicting all the games. The predictions are meant for entertainment purposes only because, truth be told, these guys aren’t very bright. Three of them are former full-time sportswriters (dummies), and the other decided to start a high school football magazine despite the fact he already works a full-time job. But, dangit, they like to watch football, think about football, write about football, and eat. That last one isn’t related to picking football games unless you count the mustard on the keyboard. As always, enjoy, and don’t take it too seriously. Nobody here hates any program. Any perceived disrespect is a figment of your imagination. Except Sandrik, who absolutely DESPISES … (transmission interrupted) …

2022 STANDINGS AFTER WEEK 15Picker: Week 15 – Overall – Perfect Picks
Adam Kulikowski: 8-4 — 230-73 — 0
Andy Shay: 8-4 — 226-77 — 2
Andy Sandrik: 7-5 — 223-80 — 1
Geoff Morrow: 8-4 — 223-80 — 1

WEEK 5 PLAYOFF SCHEDULE

 * Records in parentheses after school name; District and seed in parentheses before school name.

Friday, Dec. 2

PIAA CLASS 5A SEMIFINALS

Imhotep Charter 21, Upper Dublin 14

Andy Shay: Imhotep Charter 20, Upper Dublin 14: If you like defense in your high school football, then this is the game for you. From my chair, the speed of Imhotep on the defensive side of the ball tips the scale in this one.

Geoff Morrow: Imhotep Charter 21, Upper Dublin 7: The Imhotep defense should be called “Point Blank,” because it pretty much blanks teams and prevents them from scoring points. The Philly charter school has done it again and again and again and hasn’t surrendered more than a TD in a game since Sept. 16. Upper Dub is the only unbeaten team in 5A and has a D1 QB, but the Cardinals are also 0-3 all time in the PIAA semifinals.

Andy Sandrik: Imhotep Charter 27, Upper Dublin 14: A few minutes ago, I was looking online to jog my memory on which team it was that defeated Bishop McDevitt. It was these Panthers from Imhotep Charter. I think I’ll take them here then.

Adam Kulikowski: Imhotep Charter 33, Upper Dublin 27: While Imhotep’s defense draws plenty of attention – and for good reason – junior QB1 Mikal Davis has the Panthers’ offense humming along just fine. His steady hand racked up 1,600 passing yards and 18 TDs against just six picks.

Pine-Richland 34, Cocalico 12

Andy Shay: Pine-Richland 22, Cocalico 20: Two teams on an absolute tear since taking some early season hits. The quality of the Rams’ schedule and the opponents they have upended to get here has to be a factor at this level, right? The Eagles will have a say, though.

Geoff Morrow: Pine-Richland 38, Cocalico 23: If you would have asked back in September, and somebody told you these two teams would meet in the state semifinals, you’d be mocked. But the Rams and Eagles are proof slow starts don’t equal mediocre seasons. Difference for me is playoff experience, as P-R has two state titles (2017 and 2020) and multiple other deep runs, while Cocalico hasn’t won a state playoff game since 1994.

Andy Sandrik: Cocalico 23, Pine-Richland 20: If the playoffs went according to district seeding, Cocalico would already be a month deep into its offseason lifting program. But the Eagles just keep winning. Win or lose, they’ll be talking about this team in Denver for decades to come.

Adam Kulikowski: Pine-Richland 27, Cocalico 20: If the storybook season ends here for Cocalico, consider this the tip of a cap on a historic circuit.

PIAA CLASS 4A SEMIFINALS

Bishop McDevitt 35, Crestwood 0

Andy Shay: Bishop McDevitt 42, Crestwood 14: The Comets’ offense has produced just five touchdowns in the last eight quarters. That won’t be enough to keep pace in this game against a defense that has found another level and offense laden with quick-strike weapons.

Geoff Morrow: Bishop McDevitt 35, Crestwood 10: While the Comets have been opportunistic in the playoffs, living on the edge isn’t the safest place to be. Their best hope here is McDevitt, which hasn’t really been tested since losing to Imhotep Charter in Week 1 and is just 4-12 over its last 16 PIAA playoff games, comes out flat and allows the Mountain Top school to build confidence. No matter what, for a Crestwood program that has never won a state playoff game, it’s a tough “mountain” to climb.

Andy Sandrik: Bishop McDevitt 38, Crestwood 18: This is the state semifinals. Every team is good. So why do I feel like I’m shorting the McDevitt defense by predicting they’ll allow 18 points?

Adam Kulikowski: Bishop McDevitt 55, Crestwood 13: It is still amazing to me just how smooth the road has been for the Crusaders at this point. The talent and depth of this roster is just a sight to see … and you will for another week because the Crusaders should have an opportunity to hoist that coveted state championship trophy next week.

Aliquippa 31, Allentown Central Catholic 10

Andy Shay: Aliquippa 40, Allentown Central Catholic 7: Too big, too strong and too fast on the edges on both sides of the ball. Aliquippa is a complete beast, and the Vikings aren’t built to stand up to this very tall task over 48 minutes.

Geoff Morrow: Aliquippa 41, Allentown Central Catholic 21: There are similarities here. For example, both feature balanced offenses that can beat you multiple ways. And, even stranger, both entered this season with identical 16-7 PIAA playoff records. However, the Quips are defending champs and on a different level, while the Vikings last tasted state playoff success a decade ago. Tough to pick against the Quippin’ crew.

Andy Sandrik: Aliquippa 38, Allentown Central Catholic 13: The good news for the five-loss Vikings is there is absolutely zero pressure on their shoulders. The bad news is they have to play Aliquippa.

Adam Kulikowski: Aliquippa 45, Allentown Central Catholic 10: When you’re a multiple-score underdog as ACC is, you pull out all the stops to steal possessions and cause disruptions. Just hard to see a path that swings the tide enough to knock off the Quips.

PIAA CLASS 3A SEMIFINALS

Belle Vernon 21, Central Martinsburg 17

Andy Shay: Belle Vernon 27, Central Martinsburg 21: Vastly different approaches in this one offensively. Belle Vernon will look to pound it on the ground, and Central has a stud do-everything QB on whom to lean. Taking the ground game in this one.

Geoff Morrow: Central Martinsburg 28, Belle Vernon 21: No matter what, one of these teams is reaching its first PIAA championship game. While the District 7 champ Leopards, who are into the state playoffs for the first time since 1995, have been absolutely hammering foes since a 1-2 start, I like the Dragons here. Why? They lost by two scores to Penn Cambria in Week 3, then turned the tables with a 35-6 takedown of the same team in the playoffs. That’s the sign of a rock-solid turnaround.

Andy Sandrik: Belle Vernon 28, Central Martinsburg 20: As long as Quinton Martin is on the field, Belle Vernon has a good shot to advance. The junior is a blur to tackle in the running game, can catch passes and is a big threat in the return game. 

Adam Kulikowski: Belle Vernon 24, Central Martinsburg 17: Nothing pairs better in the playoffs than a lockdown defense and a strong running attack. Belle Vernon possesses both.

PIAA CLASS 2A SEMIFINALS

Southern Columbia 42, Trinity 7

Andy Shay: Trinity 31, Southern Columbia 28: Really, really hard to pick against the Tigers at this level. They just line ‘em up and knock ‘em down in the state playoffs. T-Rocks have played at this competition level a few times already in 2022. As long as the stage doesn’t overwhelm them, I’m putting my “homer” glasses on and riding the wave.

Geoff Morrow: Southern Columbia 34, Trinity 20: I was very tempted to take the upstart Shamrocks, but history won’t allow me to do so. The Tigers have won 16 straight PIAA playoff games, are 59-16 overall in the state playoffs with 12 championships, and they’ve really turned up the volume after an almost human-like regular season. Trinity is having an outstanding season, arguably its best in school history, but it will need top-notch performances from offense, defense and special teams to reach the title game.

Andy Sandrik: Southern Columbia 33, Trinity 27: The only thing on this pick ‘em panel separating me from first place is my consistent inability to properly size up the Shamrocks. I do, however, know how to pick Southern Columbia games.

Adam Kulikowski: Southern Columbia 33, Trinity 31: I see paths to victory for both teams. At this point in the season, everyone on the field belongs. Some say the Tigers aren’t what they’ve been over the past several years. Yet here they are one step away from another state title bout. 

Westinghouse 26, Steel Valley 7

Andy Shay: Steel Valley 36, Westinghouse 20: Any team that averages nearly 400 yards a game against a quality schedule always tickles my “pick a winner” ivory. The Ironmen have a larger stable of weapons, and I’m counting on that to be on full display.

Geoff Morrow: Steel Valley 38, Westinghouse 35: Not only are these the only unbeaten teams left in 3A, but here’s a wild stat: The Bulldogs have scored at least five touchdowns in every game, and the Ironmen have scored at least four touchdowns in every game. Neither side has a ton of playoff history, but SV does have a 2016 state championship to its name. Westinghouse, meanwhile, is aiming to become the first Pittsburgh City League team to reach the title game since 1997.

Andy Sandrik: Steel Valley 32, Westinghouse 24: The last time we heard about Westinghouse in Mid-Penn country, the Bulldogs were coming off a 39-18 pasting over Steel-High in Week 2. So we know Westinghouse belongs here, but can it hold serve against the mighty Ironmen?

Adam Kulikowski: Steel Valley 41, Westinghouse 17: Fun fact: Steel Valley’s rushing attack sports five gents who are averaging at least 10 yards per carry, including senior RB1 Cruce Brookins whose back-of-the-trading-card stat line includes 13.2 yards per carry, 1,625 yards rushing and 33 TDs.

PIAA CLASS 1A SEMIFINALS

Steelton-Highspire 28, Canton 21

Andy Shay: Steel-High 39, Canton 34: As you can tell, I fully expect to see plenty of points. Canton has a path to victory in this game through its defense, but the Rollers are more balanced than you think and find a way for those weapons to strike at the right time.

Geoff Morrow: Canton 30, Steel-High 28: The Warriors enter as the No. 1 team in Eric Epler’s Class 1A state rankings and have the confidence of knocking the then-defending champ Rollers from last year’s postseason. But Canton has never reached a title game, let alone won one, so getting over this hump will require a big psychological step. The explosive, three-time PIAA champion Rollers will be really fired up, but like some of my mates here, I expect this will come down to the final moments.

Andy Sandrik: Steel-High 41, Canton 33: Steel-High would love to win this by about a million points over the Warriors, who jettisoned the Rollers from the state playoffs last season. Something tells me, though, that this game could come down to the final play.

Adam Kulikowski: Steel-High 35, Canton 21: Rollers enter this one ready for the redemption tour. That doesn’t mean it will be easy, however. The Warriors have yielded more than 14 points just twice all season en route to a 12-1 record. 

Union Area 46, Port Allegany 36

Andy Shay: Union Area 27, Port Allegany 20: The Scotties have roughed up and dropped a few games and found a way to win plenty of tight squeezes. The Gators bring plenty of offensive firepower to the table, but have they seen a defense at this level? If Port solves the Union defense early, they will take this one.

Geoff Morrow: Union Area 24, Port Allegany 21: No disrespect meant, but I think the general feeling is whoever wins this game will be underdogs next week against the winner of the other semifinal. That said, there’s plenty of fight here. The Scotties opened eyes last week with a shutout of favored Bishop Canevin, earning them their first WPIAL title and first PIAA playoff game. The Gators are a veteran bunch whose last and only playoff win came a decade ago. Could be a lot of fun.

Andy Sandrik: Port Allegany 27, Union Area 23: When I look over this Gators roster, I’m not seeing any superstars. And I mean that as a compliment. Port Allegany has gotten this far with balanced team play, and if it advances to the big game, it will be for that reason. 

Adam Kulikowski: Port Allegany 31, Union Area 28: If there’s a play to be made late to preserve a Port Allegany victory, you can bet Blaine Moses will be in the action. Moses ate up opponents all season, registering more than twice as many tackles as any other Gator (132-63).

Saturday, Dec. 3

PIAA CLASS 6A SEMIFINALS

St. Joseph’s Prep 48, Garnet Valley 7

Andy Shay: St. Joseph’s Prep 27, Garnet Valley 24: Do I think Garnet Valley can win this game? I 100% can see the Jaguars knocking off SJP. I’m just not prepared to pick against the Hawks until somebody beats them in one of these games.

Geoff Morrow: St. Joseph’s Prep 42, Garnet Valley 30: The Hawks, who are now 23-2 all-time in PIAA playoff games with six state titles, won this matchup easily when they met in the same spot last year. However, the District 1 champ Jaguars are better than they were in 2021 and have really rallied around each other after the recent death of a beloved teammate, Bryson Hall. A win would still qualify as a monumental upset, but don’t be surprised if this is close deep into the fourth quarter.

Andy Sandrik: Garnet Valley 21, St. Joseph’s Prep 20: Never underestimate the very real energy that comes from a team fighting for a fallen teammate. There’s no doubt GV’s players will have No. 88, Bryson Hall, on their minds when they take the field against perennial PIAA contender St. Joseph’s Prep. 

Adam Kulikowski: St. Joseph’s Prep 24, Garnet Valley 21: This time of year, experience in the biggest of games matters. Not sure there’s another team that better fits that edge than St. Joseph’s, whose gents have tasted PIAA’s finest moments seemingly since they could walk. 

Harrisburg 27, State College 7

Andy Shay: State College 20, Harrisburg 14: Twice in a row, the Little Lions have traveled to the Cougars’ den on Market Street and came out victorious. I know the Harrisburg defense is in full lockdown mode, and the revenge tour is alive and kicking for the Cougars. State College has earned a chalk call. My expectation is a defensive battle.

Geoff Morrow: Harrisburg 19, State College 17: Since 2008, neither of these Mid-Penn Commonwealth rivals has won more than two games straight in the series. Guess what? The Little Lions have won the last two meetings, including last year’s state playoffs and this year’s regular-season game in Harrisburg. Cougars won’t allow State High to make it three in a row. It’s science (and defense).

Andy Sandrik: Harrisburg 30, State College 24: We have two Commonwealth Division teams scrapping for a berth in the state title game. My body is covered in goosebumps as I type. My gut instinct is telling me to trust the Harrisburg defense, which showed no mercy against Manheim Township last week. 

Adam Kulikowski: State College 28, Harrisburg 27: Bruising force Malichi Hopkins left last week’s game early due to injury. His availability – or lack thereof – makes a huge difference in this one.

PIAA CLASS 3A SEMIFINALS

Neumann-Goretti 20, Wyomissing 17

Andy Shay: Wyomissing 28, Neumann-Goretti 14: How can you not trust the Spartans to be the methodical machine of a football team they have proven they are all season? Neumann-Goretti will ask some interesting questions of this Wyomissing team, but it’s earned the trust to find a way to answer them.

Geoff Morrow: Wyomissing 42, Neumann-Goretti 14: Like many, I thought last week’s Wyo vs. Danville game was the unofficial 2A state championship. And the Spartans escaped with a 21-19 triumph. Now they meet a team they beat 42-6 in last year’s semifinals. The Saints can make it closer this time around, but it’s a tall order to knock off the Berks County powerhouse.

Andy Sandrik: Wyomissing 21, Neumann-Goretti 20: Wyomissing would be wise to keep an eye on Shawn Battle, who had four TDs, including a pick-6, in last week’s blowout over Northwestern Lehigh. 

Adam Kulikowski: Wyomissing 37, Neumann-Goretti 17: Spartans have given absolutely no reason to think that they will not continue to churn out the impeccable production they have all season on Saturday. Until proven otherwise, toss me a ticket on Wyo.